Security and Cloud Computing

Professor in charge: Tuomas AuraOther professors: N. Asokan, Mario Di Francesco, Keijo Heljanko, Antti Ylä-Jääski Extent: Long (55-65 credits) or compact major (40-45 credits). Students taking a compact major take also a minor (20-25 cr). Students taking a long major may include an optional minor in their elective studies.Abbreviation: SECCLOCode: SCI3084School: School of Science

Study programme

Studies in the Security and Cloud Computing major give students a broad understanding of the latest and future technologies for secure mobile and cloud computing systems. Students will gain both practical engineering knowledge and theoretical insights into secure systems engineering, distributed application development, network and service architectures, and cloud and mobile platforms. We believe in combining theoretical knowledge and security expertise with product development skills. The studies are also closely linked with research at Aalto University. The graduates are well prepared for international industrial R&D jobs, security engineering and consulting, various expert roles, and doctoral studies at Aalto University and internationally.

The major combines three previous study modules: the Security and Mobile Computing (NordSecMob) Master’s program, the Mobile Computing - Services and Security major, as well as the Secure Systems track.

Learning outcomes

Students have the theoretical understanding of information security and practical skills for designing and analyzing secure computing systems.

Students understand the architectural principles of distributed services and applications. They are able to design, analyze andimplement distributed, cloud and mobile computing systems.

Students have in-depth knowledge of their chosen thesis topic.

Students have strong software development skills and other technical and professional skills that enable them to take key roles inan industrial research and development environment, and they are qualified to continue to doctoral studies in academia.

Structure and content

The major covers fundamental concepts, methods and the latest technologies on secure systems engineering, distributed application development, ubiquitous computing, network and service architectures, ubiquitous computing, and cloud and mobile computing platforms. The studies are closely bound to the research done by the teachers, for example, on the Internet of Things, pervasive and ubiquitous computing, cloud platforms and services, mobile platform security, and network security. Special attention is paid to security and privacy issues as they are critical requirements in developing and deploying services in open networks and distributed systems. The teaching methods combine theory with hands-on exercises and software development on mobile devices and cloud platforms. Students also practice writing and presentation skills and learn to follow the latest research.

Major compulsory courses

These courses are compulsory, unless already included in the student’s previous studies. Students who have studied similar content at another university or have specific personal learning goals should contact the responsible professor of the major to discuss their personal study plan.

Major optional courses

Students should choose enough other Master-level courses to meet the required number of credits for the major. The courses listed below areespecially recommended. Please follow announcements about the special courses with annually changing topics and teaching periods. OtherMaster-level courses on relevant topics, including computer-science, mathematics, communications technology and entrepreneurship may beincluded with prior agreement of the responsible professor of the major.